Laser engraving is the use of laser technology to engrave. The principle is to use the burning of laser heat or chemical changes on the engraved surface to produce engraving marks.
Compared with hand-held tools, the advantages of laser engraving machines are that the engraved text and patterns can be controlled, the size can be controlled, and the engraved patterns are also relatively fine. The disadvantage is that it is not as three-dimensional as manual physical engraving. Therefore, the laser engraving machine is mainly used for shallow marking.
The concept is clear, let's talk about the structure of the laser engraving machine. The realization of the engraving function of the laser engraving machine mainly requires software control, mechanical transmission, and several major components of the laser light source. It is used to edit picture text, adjust parameters and start and stop.
The traditional engraving machine is driven by a stepping motor or a servo motor. Of course, due to the characteristics of the laser, many modern machines have used a galvanometer system to control the position of the laser by controlling the tiny movement of the angle of the lens.
The laser light source is the core component of laser engraving. The characteristics of the light source determine the material effect of the laser function to achieve engraving. The energy level has a significant impact on the engraving depth and speed.
Classification of the light source of laser engraving machine
At present, the common light sources of laser engraving machines on the market mainly include CO2 light sources, fiber light sources, purple light sources, green light sources, and diode light sources. The laser wavelength is different, and the engraving efficiency is also very different
Among them, CO2 laser engraving machine is mainly suitable for non-metallic materials such as wood, leather and plastic.
●Optical fiber light source, the main materials for engraving are metal or materials with a relatively high density of paint. Wood is generally not easy to carve unless it is extremely dense and hard.
●Purple light source, is a relatively high-end light source, the engraving is very fine and the engraving range is wide
●Green light source, we may have seen many three-dimensional images in the middle of acrylic, generally engraved with green light source. Can engrave transparent glass and other materials
●Diode light source, which is originally a light source for stage lighting, has achieved a gorgeous turn in the laser engraving industry. Its engraving principle is somewhat similar to lighting a cigarette butt under the sun with a magnifying glass.
Selection criteria for laser engraving machines
I believe that many friends who want to buy a laser engraving machine are most concerned about this issue. Everyone definitely wants to choose a practical and affordable laser machine type. So before choosing, you can understand the advantages and disadvantages of various laser machines
●CO2 laser engraving machine: Advantages of engraving wood, leather, plastic, rubber, etc., with high power, fast engraving speed and high precision. Disadvantages The machine is bulky and generally 40-50 kg, it is not easy to move, and the price is generally moderate. Suitable for factories
●Fiber laser engraving machine, advantages: high engraving accuracy and fast speed, suitable for batch operation in factories and can be connected to factory automation production lines. Disadvantages The machine is generally more expensive about 15,000 yuan or more, and the volume is relatively large and the weight is more than 30 kilograms.
●Purple laser engraving machine, advantages: wide range of engraving materials, both metal and non-metal can be engraved. One machine can be used for multiple purposes. Disadvantages Expensive, because of the characteristics of the purple light source, the machine is generally more than 20,000 to 30,000 yuan, and the machine is also relatively heavy. Applicable to high-end manufacturing
●Green laser engraving machine, advantages It can realize three-dimensional engraving and 3-dimensional positioning engraving. The disadvantage is that it is bulky and expensive
●Diode laser engraving machine, advantages, low price, as low as less than 1,000 yuan, generally not higher than 3,000 yuan, small size and easy to move. Disadvantages The engraving speed is slow, and pure metal cannot be engraved. Due to the speed limit, it is generally more suitable for personal DIY home use, or small-scale customization for small and medium-sized businesses